Cherub: Plural cherubim, the name of certain symbolical figures frequently
mentioned in Scripture. They are first mentioned in connection with
the expulsion of our first parents from Eden
(Genesis 3:24) There is no
intimation given of their shape or form. They are next mentioned when
Moses was commanded to provide furniture for the tabernacle
(Exodus 25:17-20; 26:1,31) God promised to commune with Moses "from between
the cherubim"
(Exodus 25:22) This expression was afterwards used to
denote the Divine abode and presence
(Numbers 7:89; 1 Samuel 4:4; Isaiah 37:16)
(Psalms 80:1; 99:1) In Ezekiel's vision
(Ezekiel 10:1-20) they appear as
living creatures supporting the throne of God. From Ezekiel's
description of them
(Ezekiel 1:10-25; 41:18, 19) they appear to have been
compound figures, unlike any real object in nature; artificial images
possessing the features and properties of several animals. Two
cherubim were placed on the mercy-seat of the ark; two of colossal
size overshadowed it in Solomon's temple. Ezekiel
(Ezekiel 1:4-14) speaks
of four; and this number of "living creatures" is mentioned in
(Revelation 4:6)
Those on the ark are called the "cherubim of glory"
(Hebrews 9:5)
i.e., of the Shechinah, or cloud of glory, for on them the visible
glory of God rested. They were placed one at each end of the
mercy-seat, with wings stretched upward, and their faces "toward each
other and toward the mercy-seat." They were anointed with holy oil,
like the ark itself and the other sacred furniture. The cherubim were
symbolical. They were intended to represent spiritual existences in
immediate contact with Jehovah. Some have regarded them as symbolical
of the chief ruling power by which God carries on his operations in
providence
(Psalms 18:10) Others interpret them as having reference to the
redemption of men, and as symbolizing the great rulers or ministers
of the church. Many other opinions have been held regarding them
which need not be referred to here. On the whole, it seems to be most
satisfactory to regard the interpretation of the symbol to be
variable, as is the symbol itself. Their office was,
1. on the expulsion of our first parents from Eden, to prevent all
access to the tree of life; and
2. to form the throne and chariot of Jehovah in his manifestation
of himself on earth. He dwelleth between and sitteth on the
cherubim
(1 Samuel 4:4; Psalms 80:1; Ezekiel 1:26,28)
